Desition

*BJ crawls into Rosetta's lap as she sits down exspecting it was time for breakfest now. Rosetta looks down at him and than back at Trent and the others. She new this conversation was going to get heated and fast. Rosetta might be happy to see her brother but questions linger, and distrust was still here and this conversation was no place for someone so small. Looking to the kitchen Rosetta see Wendy geting a glass of juice.*

"Wendy, can you do me a favor and take BJ outside for alittle bit?"

*Wendy comes out of the kitchen with her glass and looks around the room than back to Rosetta.*

"Sure."

*Going over to BJ she reaches out her hand to him smiling.*

"Hey little man. Want to help me brush the horses and you can brush your pony?"

*BJ perks up and jumps off Rosetta's lap taking Wendy's hand.*

"Ya, I wont to hwelp you."

*Rostta nods a thank you as BJ and Wendy make there way outside. Looking around the room She repeats what Sparky had already asked.*

"So, what are you doing there? I know you said you wanted to make a statment of sorry, and you hurd about Mick...but...I guess we want to know more."

*Angel stands in disbelief at Austin's news of Trent.*

"Tre....Trents here? but...why? I dont understand! Why..."

*So many thoughts, memories, feeling run through Angel. She wasent sure what one she should focus on. She hadent seen Trent in so long.*

"Why is he here? Where is he?"

*Misty looks to Rick noding in satisfaction at there work. When the tooth is mentioned Misty thinks for a moment.*

"I'm not dentise but I can take a look and see what I can do."

*Misty rigs it so that Scott's mouth stays open and she takes a look at the jagged peace of tooth sticking out. Pushing on it alittle Misty notices its a bit loose. Taking one of the scalples that was stairalized she makes a small cut in Scott's jaw having more room and losening the tooth more. Than tanking small plyers she tugs on the tooth making not it wont come free yet. Making another insition on the other side Misty pulls on the tooth again till it finally comes out roots and all. Taking a needle and thread Misty makes 4 stickes to fix up Scott and steps back.*

"All set. He should be alttle less misrable now."

*Katie sits up and turns her music off. Her mind was clear and she new the path she had to choose. It wasent going to be easy, and it was going to hurt alot but Katie new she had to. Pulls out her phone knowing what she had to do. It was going to be the hard but she new it was the right thing. Dialing Jason’s number Katie waits to hear his sweet voice that greeted her so many times before.*

"Hey Jason, It’s Katie. If you’re not busy can you meet me down by the beach in a half hour? You know the place. Ok see ya."

*As Katie hangs up the phone she lets out a tired sigh a tear rolling down her cheek.*

"Lord give me strength and let me know this is right."

~*~20 Min Later~*~

*Katie parks her car getting out. She is there before Jason. Katie scans the beach images entering her mind of before Jason went to prison. There first kiss, how they just sat that night in the moonlight letting the moment go on. Another tear escapes Katie’s eye. It hadn’t been that long ago but everything seemed so much easier than. Leaning aganst her hood Katie leans back to look up at the sky and wait.*

Showed up

A look of fear passes through Scott’s eyes at Misty tells him what’s going on. He opens his mouth to protest, but she beats him to it.

He swallows hard, trying to get past his fear, Misty’s words hitting him below the belt. “It doesn’t look like I’ve got much choice,” he relents.

Rick throws a grin in Misty’s direction. He wouldn’t have thought of using Katie to get Scott to cooperate. “Alright, you two…we need to get this over and done as soon as possible, so let’s get this thing rolling. Scott, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.”

As preparations are made, Rick moves into his office for several minutes. Finding out Katie has left, he picks up the phone and dials her cell phone. Waiting, he finally reaches her voice mail. “Katie, it’s Rick. No emergencies. I just wanted to let you know that Scott’s gonna have a bit of surgery here today after Misty made a discovery that led to us realizing he’d got a chipped rib. Anyway, just thought you might want to know…if you don’t come back today, tomorrow he should still be in the infirmary. Talk to you later.”

It’s not much later that Scott is out and Rick and Misty are able to work. Under the lights, Rick searches for several moments, appreciating Misty’s hands to help. Finally he gives a satisfactory not and draws out the piece of bone that was causing all the trouble. “Aha…there we are.”

After making sure there were no other pieces, Rick moves to stitch up the incision. Once finished, he looks to Misty. “Since he’s out already, do you think we can go in and take a look at that tooth of his? I hadn’t wanted to do it before just because I didn’t think he’d let me, not to mention I’m no dentist. Do you have any experience in that department?”


As Sparky sees BJ and receives Rosetta’s request, he relaxes a little, letting his hand stray from his side to lower the threat.

Trent slowly lets his arms down, just staring at BJ. Who was this little boy? He clung to Rosetta as a child would to his mother… His eyes lift to Rosetta’s, full of question. Before he can say anything though, Wendy walks past.

Trent’s jaw drops, his eyes widening. There was no doubt in his mind who this was. But to see her now…grown up…a young woman… His voice comes out as a whisper. “Wendy…”

Sparky quirks an eyebrow, just a tad surprised that Trent would even remember the name, let alone care. “Alright…the mess hall…now… the visitors are done with their breakfast, so we can talk.” He gestures with his head towards the door, remaining behind Trent in case anything happened.

Trent numbly obeys and follows Jeff who enters the mess hall first. He had assumed he would find more than Rosetta here…but he didn’t understand why so many others were around. He’d been kept from all information on them for the years he’d been at the Agency, and when not with them, he’d dared no research of his own. All he’d heard was that Mick had been here, then had been taken, and that was the extent of his knowledge.

Entering the mess hall, he’s directed to a chair a the nearest table, and sits down, his shoulders sloped, his eyes to the floor. He knew an interrogation was to come.

Sparky remains standing, looking to Rosetta. He wanted to pounce on Trent, but out of respect, did not. He would let her lead this one.


Austin hangs back from the group as they enter the mess hall, and looks towards Angel’s office. Contemplating for a moment, he decides to go to her. It might be better than walking in on the scene inside and having that kind of shock, and Angel could come to the mess hall at any time.

Arriving at the office, he knocks and waits. Once the door is answered, he looks at Angel, not knowing exactly how to tell her this. “Um, Angel…there’s…someone who just arrived. We don’t know anything yet about why, or even whose side he’s on, but…” He swallows hard. “It’s um…” Pausing, again, he sighs. He had to tell her. He couldn’t keep her in the dark – not when Trent was just yards away, able to be seen at any given moment. “It’s Trent, Angel. He just showed up.”

Grown

*Misty nods at Rick.*

"I think I know a way."

*Misty goes back to where Scott is and sighs.*

"Scott it looks to be there is a part of your rib that is chiped off and no drifting around inside of you. Thats what is causing all this trouble. Rick and I would like to go in and take it out before something worse happens. IT could find its way to your lungs, or even your heart and cause you fatle damage."

*Misty thinks for a moment.*

"And the last thing we need, the last thing Katie needs is to lose someone alse she cares for. So please let us do this. You will be in good hands."

*Waking early and hearing the noise outside thinking Mick was home BJ comes running ouside.*

"Mick, Mick yous back..."

*BJ stops dead in is tracks when he sees Trent not knowing who he was. Waddling over to Rosetta he clings to her leg burring his face there as well than slowly turns his head to peek at Trent.*

* Looking down at BJ Rosetta runs her hand through his hair and than at Sparky noding at his gun.*

"Please put that away or at least lower it for BJ's sake and can we all go inside and at least give Trent a fighting chanse on what he is doing here before we go shooting anyone."

*Before anything alse can be said Wendy apears seaming to be in her own world her mind on her night with Clint and there motercicle ride. Walking up the steps she finally relizes everyone is standing there. Looking around at Rosetta, Jeff, Austin, and Sparky she smiles.*

"Morning!!"

*Finally Wendy's eyes fall on Trent. For some reson she felt like she new him, but that was impossable She's never seen him in her life. Wendy nods.*

"Welcome."

*Resuming her path into the messhall.*

x-ray

Scott winces as Misty pokes and prods around his ribs, but does as he’s told. He sighs as he’s left alone, hating to once again be told not to move, but he obeys.


Rick takes a sip of his coffee, thinking as Misty talks, his concern rising. “Hmm…I guess after his second round with those thugs, I assumed he was just still sore from Jason. I should have taken another x-ray, that was my fault. I think you’re right – there shouldn’t be that bruising like that still there, and there certainly shouldn’t be any swelling.”

He finishes his off his coffee and stands to put his mug in the sink. “Come on and show me where the problem is.” He and Misty return to the infirmary where Scott is still waiting.

Scott quirks an eyebrow, his own concern rising that the two of them were needed instead of just one.

Rick shakes his head in teasing disgust. “You just can’t make things easy, can you?”

“I do my best.”

“Mm-hmm.” Rick leans down and squints at the spot Misty indicates. He moves his fingers around the ribs thoughtfully. “Does this hurt?”

Scott cringes just a little. “A bit.”

“How about here?”

“Kinda.”

“Here?”

Scott just about jumps off the table as he lets out a cry of pain.

Rick straightens and nods. “Yeah, that’s the spot.” He stands back and thinks for a moment. “I want to take an x-ray of that, just to be sure.”

“Sure of what?”

“I think there might be something we missed.” Rick slowly and gently helps Scott off the table. “Take it nice and slow…”

Not much later, Scott is back lying on the table, and Rick is in the next room with Misty, looking at the x-ray. “That’s what I was afraid of.” Rick taps a section of the picture. “See that there…those thugs must have used something other than their fists on him. He’s got a piece of bone that’s been chipped off his rib. My guess is that the fragment is causing most of the trouble.”

Rick sighs deeply and rubs a hand over his face. “There’s only one thing we can do, and that’s to go in and get it out.” He looks to Misty. “I’ll need your help, not only with the procedure, but convincing Scott we need to do it. The last time he was put under was so at the hospital they could get his appendix out. He had a reaction to the anesthetic though and it was touch and go for a little while. Ever since then he’s been terrified of me doing anything but giving him an aspirin, which is probably why he’s been so stubborn about this whole thing.”


Trent accepts Rosetta’s embrace, returning it with strong arms. A tear falls from his own eye, running down his cheek. “Saying I’m sorry just doesn’t cut it,” he says quietly. “But I just can’t think of anything else to say.”

Pulling back, he sets his arms on Rosetta’s shoulders, just continuing to study her face. “I…” His hands suddenly drop as his eyes shift to the mess hall door that has just opened.

Jeff stops in his tracks, his eyes widening. Staring, he can’t believe what he’s seeing, but he knows it must be true. He opens his mouth to say something, but no words want to come.

Trent looks to his brother with sorrow. “Jeff…”

Jeff can’t even begin to decipher what is running through his mind. All of a sudden though, his eyes shift past Trent.

Trent sees the focus change, and turns around coming face to face with Sparky who is several feet away.

Sparky stops dead, for a moment in shock. Recovering quickly though, his hand immediately hovers over his sidearm, his eyes narrowing. It had been a long time…twenty years at least…but Sparky’s guard was up instantly, overtaking any melancholy that wanted to surface. “What are you doing here?” he hisses.

Trent’s hands go up into the air as he sees Sparky’s gun, his eyes widening with just a bit of fear. “I’m not here as an enemy,” he tries to defend quickly.

“What’s going on out here?” Austin steps out onto the porch. Eying Trent, his reaction is similar to the others, shock crossing his face.

Sparky’s eyes don’t move from Trent and he takes a step forward, forcing Trent to back up. “I asked what you’re doing here,” he repeats.

Trent’s hands remain in the air. “I don’t know…I mean…I just..” His eyes drift to Rosetta for help.

Emotions running for all

*Katie lets out a sigh and leans back. A few more hours pass as Katie stays and talks more with Jen. They talked more on the topic of Jason, and Scott. Katie shaired how her Aunt was to be married and now Mick was missing. Katie even talked to her about how they all faced jail at TJY if Lockheart couldent pull through. Finally figurng it was time to deal with her own emotions alone Katie gives Jen a tight hug before leaving. Promising she would be in touch so they could hang out again.

As Katie drives away from Jen's house her mind wonders. She could hardly think straght. She couldent go back to work like this today she just needed the day off to be alone, where is was quiet and she could think. Geting home Katie enters her room pating Henry on the head than grabing a glass of water. Disapearing into her room shuting the door tight behind her. Truning on some soft music Katie sits down on her bed and opens her heart and mind leting her thoughts and emotions run free. Tears flow in Katie's eyes. She new Jen was right. For Katies own good she needed to let go but it was going to be hard. Jen had also been right about God doing everything for a reason. And there was a reason Scott was in her life. God had placed him there to be the someone she needed. Katie's mind continues to going from one thing to the next just leting them out and not holding back.*

*Misty cant help but grin at Scott at his comment of hurting all over.*

"OK lets take this shirt off of you and take a look. I am alittle conserned your still pretty sore."

*Helping Scott take his shirt off Misty notices alittle bursing that worryed her. Poking and proding a bit Misty can still feel a bit of swelling. Looking up Misty had a bit of worry in her eyes.*

"I need to go talk to Rick Scott but I think something more than what we though at first. Wait her and its VERY important you DONT movie. Please for your own good."

*Misty exits the office and heads to where she last saw Rick in the break room. Entering Misty sits down acorss from Rick at the table and lets out a long sigh.*

" Rick, Scott came to me and was complaining of his side hurting really bad still along with a headack. I had him take his shirt off so I could examen him alittle better and there is some deep brusing under his ribs and swelling. That should of been gone by now buts its not. The bruse is black, burble, and red. It also felt around the swelling alot of fluid was building up. I havent given him any painkillers yet cuz I do believe there is something more wrong that what we first though that is causing this. I needed him to let us know where the pain was and not have it blocked out so I thought that was best.. I think we need to go over him again and look deeper this time."

*Rosetta eyes open alittle bigger. It was Trent. Rosetta cant take it and her emotions break free. A tear forming in her eye. It was really Trent after all these years. Standing Rosetta puts her coffee cup down on the porch step and takes a step down. Bringing her hand up to Trents she runs it along the side of his face. Touching to make sure he is real. Finally, slowly bringing her arms around him in a strong embrass. Rosetta's mind ran with feelings, emotions, thoughts. For a moment all doubt, anger, distrust was lost her long lost brother was there standing in front of her.*

"Oh Trent...."

*Tears form more in Rosetta's eyes as she holds her brother. God did things for a reson who was she to doubt why he left Trent come.*

Trent

Jen's compassion grows, and she moves her chair to the end of the couch where Katie is, reaching over as far as she can, to put an arm around her shoulders. "Oh, hun...this just doesn't feel good at all, does it?"

She just sits for several moments, thinking...contemplating...praying. "I wish I had some great advice to give you, Katie...I wish there was a simple solution...but I know you know there's just not. Sometimes in life, we're dealt bad hands out of happenstance that we have to live with. Other times it's out own actions that create the consequences that arise as bad hands. And sometimes I believe God allows certain trials to help us grow. But...no matter what the situation is, or why it's hard...God is there...and He knows what's happening. He knows every single intimate detail of your life. He knows your love for Jason...he knows your feelings for Scott. He saw the relationship between you and Jason grow and fall, and He saw that kiss you shared with Scott too."

Jen pauses, straightening up, and going for a tissue to hand to Katie. "He knows the reasons...He knows the answers to all this...and He knows your future."

Pausing again, she continues to think, sighing a little. "I don't ever want you to act solely on the advice of others...I want you to pray about this and act on the wisdom God provides you with. But if you're looking for any kind of opinion..." Jen frowns a little. She'd seen the way Jason and Katie looked at each other, and this pained her now to hear of their struggle. "...if Jason is purposely pushing you away...then I don't know if there's anything you can do about it. You might be able to turn him around...but you might not. And that trying is going to be awfully painful, and I'm not sure that it's best if you allow yourself to be put through that. We do a lot of crazy things for love...and we push ourselves to the limit for it...but at some point...we have to look out for ourselves too."

Jen cocks her head. "And...in a way...perhaps Jason is trying to do what's best for you. He's not stupid...he has to see how he's hurting you...and if I know him, he probably doesn't like it any more than you do, if not hating it more. But for some reason, he must feel trapped, and unable to change. So from that perspective...maybe the best thing is to just let him deal with this the way he is, and respect his decision." She shrugs. "Again...these are just my thoughts, and I don't know if they're right or not."

"As far as Scott goes...you have feelings for him. Either they have to be snuffed out so they don't develop into something you don't want, or they have to be embraced and let out to live...but only if Jason is left behind first. You can't keep living between two men."


Scott cringes a little and tries not to blink in the light that Misty shines in his eyes. "I feel like crap all over, does that count?"

"My mouth isn't great, but until I see a dentist to dig out what's left of my tooth, I don't think that's going to get much better."He moves a little and winces. "I guess the only thing other than my head that feels like it's going to split open is my ribcage. I can't move a muscle without it hurting. I just figured that was to be expected though."


The man's eyes search Rosetta's for a long moment, looking for that key recognition. He cocks his head, a ghost of a melancholy smile almost playing on his lips. "You haven't changed a bit... I wish I could say the same for myself..."

He drops his gaze for a moment, then approaches just a little more to put a foot on the first step, leaning n the porch railing. "Ten years in prison, five more with the Agency, and five more pretending to be dead does no man any good... but sometimes... every once in a while... that kind of man sees a chance to at least try to make up for lost time...to grope for a way to apologize, even though what he's done is unforgivable... to fumble around like a blind man in a cave, if only to get a glimpse of some hope...some light...some warmth that has been missing all those years."

He swallows hard, emotions pooling behind his eyes. "I deserve to die, Rosetta. And I almost made that happen. But for some reason...I'm still here...and for once in my life, I couldn't stand to allow pain to continue. And for once...I decided to take a side." He pauses, wrought with too many emotions to express. "I heard about Mick getting taken and though I know nothing, I couldn't just stand back and watch."

His shoulders low, his posture showing ultimate defeat, he looks Rosetta dead in the eye. "Can you find it in your heart to forgive someone who has caused so much hurt? Someone that has betrayed over and over again? Can you find it in you heart to forgive...your brother?"

Remember

*As Katie sits she is quiet for a long moment just thinking. Collecting her thoughts for a moment she gets lost. Where does she start and where does she end.*

"No, everything isent ok. I'm so lost and confused its not hurry and I am feel like every part if me is being ripped apart inside. And it all revolvs around someone I love very much..."

*Kaie lets out a sigh and just breaks free spilling everything to Jen. What drover her to pour her heart out she dident know. But she was laing it all out, Jason, Scott, How she still lived Jason how he told her to let go. Not leaving out one detail to Jen. Katie just felt comfortable about Jen even sheding a few tears. Almost an hour had gone by when finally Katie draws to a close."

"....now I dont know what to do Jen. Jason wantes me to let go, Scott is waiting, and I just dont know how to let go of someone I still love. I dont want to say goodbye to Jason, my minds keeps me remembering the good times, the love, and my heart reminds me of the pain."

*Katie puts her head in her hands.*

"I just hurts so much Jen and I dont know where to go or what to do. I'm so scaired."

*Misty looks up from the desk at the sounds of a noise. Seeing Scott she is quick to her feet.*

"Scott you shouldent be up. Next time just press the intercon button by your bed. You could of ripped something. Your not stedy on your feet yet eather."

*Misty helps Scott over to the examaning table and helps him sit down.*

"I cant be to mad though, I probley wouldent be able to sit still for to long eather. Where does it hurt just your head? or are you feeling more pain than the last few days anywhere alse? I cant give ya anything till you tell me. In case something is wrong we cant mask the pain with it so we can get it fixed."

*Misty takes a flashlight and shines it semi in Scott's eyes noting he has a headack and it probley hurts she refrains from shinning it full blown.*

*As Rosetta hear a tuck she looks up. Confused for a moment she wasent exspecting anything and with Mick missing she was on alart incase The Agency was to attack. As the man gets out of te truck and draws closer Rosetta studys the face for a long while. Something stired inside her. She new who this was, but how could it be. He had been gone for so long, and not on the best of terms eather. Why, why would he be back now? And Mick was not missing. Taking a sip of her coffee Rosetta trys to remain to top of her emotions maybe it wasent him.*

"Yes?"

New face? Or...?

Jason watches Katie leave, then shuts his door quietly. He pauses for several minutes, trying to maintain control before he goes back to his desk. He had to keep his mind busy...he had to keep it occupied so he doesn't dwell on what just happened. Opening some files on his computer, he starts to read, forcing himself to concentrate.


Jen gives Katie a surprised smile, and returns the hug. "Well good morning, Katie!" Once inside the living room, she gestures for Katie to sit on the couch. "I'm doing alright... After the whole "I'll never walk again news" from the doctor a few weeks ago, things have gotten back to normal, though Kyle is still being an overbearing worrywart." She rolls her eyes, but grins.

Looking at Katie, she cocks her head. "Hey...is everything okay?"


Scott takes a deep breath, shifting his weight in bed. The room next door to the infirmary wasn't as stark and it was quieter, but it still wasn't his own bed, and he still wished he were home.

Moving to sit up, his head feels like it's been hit with a hammer. Grimacing, he swings his feet over the side and stands up, teetering just a little bit before attempting to walk gingerly to the hall. Domino looks up at him from her spot on the floor, but stays put, not having received any signal to move.

Scott walks slowly down the hall, leaning on the wall for support, squinting in the bright lights. Making it to the infirmary, he knocks and enters slowly, spotting Misty. "Hey..." He offers as much of a smile as he can, despite his tired eyes and sore mouth. "Got anything for a killer headache around here?"


An old beater pickup truck pauses at the end of the R/M driveway, the driver staring at the sign with hesitance. His eyes and tired face show years of hardships. His long sigh hits at a weariness of the heart.

Finally making up his mind, he turns into the driveway and slowly drives towards the buildings. Parking near the mess hall, he pauses again after the motor is shut off, just sitting in the driver's seat, taking in the surroundings. His eyes fall onto Rosetta, who is sitting on the porch, and his hesitance increases.

Willing himself forward, he exits the truck and shuts the door...just standing...just watching. Slowly he approaches, his thin frame proving the toll time has taken. The lines on his face...the gray streaking his hair...they all add to someone who is no longer easily recognized...no longer known from a distance...perhaps forgotten enough that he is no longer known at all.

Making it to Rosetta, he stops, his thumbs hooked in his pockets, and he gives a little nod. "Rosetta..."

Crisp morning

*As Jason pushes Katie to the door she stands for a long moment turning just looking deep into Jasons eyes. She new it was coming and it couldent be stoped. He new too. Katie still felt so confused though. Relationships were about hard times right, ups and downs. Than why was she walking away. Jason was one of the best things in her life and now he was slowly fading. Katie feared she would lose him all together. Finally feeling her heart so heavy and that the air was geting thin around her Katie breaks her gaze.*

"I just dont know how. I..I have to get out of her for alittle bit if anyone asks."

*Katie turns and makes her way across the floor, up the elavator and out the door. Geting into her car Katie just sits for a long while the tears in her eyes. Katie new it was early still but she needed someone to talk to a friend. Con was probley sleep and she dident want to wake him. Katie new Jen would be up at this hour. Katie had wanted to talk to her anyways. whiping her tears away Katie pulls her car out of the driveway and makes her way for Jen's house.

After an hour of just driving slow and thinking Katie arrives at Jen's house. Shuting off her car she gets out hoping that Jen in face is still awake. Slowly walking up to the door Katie gingles her keys as a nervouse habit. Katie knocks on the door and waits her mind so full and her heart ever so heavy.

As the door opens Katie smiles when she see Jen. Reaching down she give her friend a hug and enters the house out of the crisp air making her way into the living room to join Jen.*

"How are you Jen?"

*As Misty enters TJY she is still breathing a bit heavy from her run with Carson this morning. It had been fun, they laughed, and they joked. Misty really enjoyed there time together.

Entering TJY Misty makes he way across the floor and to where Scott was. Entering she is quiet as to not wake him. Going over Misty checks his vitles, and his bruses and cuts making sure everything is ok. Once she is done she exits and heads for the infermary to get an early start to her day.*

*Rosetta wakes with a start thinking she hurd her name being called. Geting out of bed she slowly looks out the window everything was normal. Pulling on her jacket she makes her way across the wet grass to the mess hall and enters BJ's room to check on him. He was fast asleep. Gently Rosetta runs her hand down the side of his face and smiles. Soon the little house would be ready and BJ would be closer in case he needed anything. Exiting again Rosetta gets a cup of coffee and exiting siting on the proch step taking in the fresh morning air. Rosetta stairs across the yard her heart still heavy. Lifting Mick again in a silent prayer. She missed having him around already. Rosetta just hoped God would be with him and he was ok.*

Coolness

Jason swallows hard, his eyes closed as he feels Katie near. This just wasn't fair...how could he so badly want to share himself again, while at the same time be so locked away that he could not? He remembered a time when he had fought love tooth and nail, fearing himself and fearing the future. But this time he'd taken it one more step and actually accomplished the coldness he'd set out to find. For if he could not feel the love, then he could not fear it. He was depressed...he was hurt...he was angry... And he was no longer the man Katie needed. He was no longer a man that could love. He was no longer a man that knew how to live. Holding on to this relationship with Katie was but a last ditch effort to feel, but at what cost would it occur?

Drawing back, Jason reaches up his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind Katie's ear. He sees the tears in her eyes and feels the pain all over again. "Don't be sad," he pleads quietly. His emotions were tucked safely away, but he could still show what he was feeling without releasing them to her, and his eyes showed a longing for the pain to stop. "You can't let me do that to you."

His eyes search hers, his gaze piercing through to the deepest depths. "Let me go before it's too late," he whispers. "You deserve to be free." She deserved to be free of his rampant emotions. She deserved to be free of the chains his lack of love had formed. She deserved to be free of the pain he was causing. He hated his circumstances and he hated himself. Yet he was helpless against the forces that had taken over.

Before he broke under the own weight in his heart...before she could cling to him, his eyes go void of the feelings that had just existed. He couldn't stand this any longer. Hardly able to follow through, he stands up, forcing Katie to slide from his lap. He aims her toward his door before letting his hands fall from her shoulders. "You need to leave," he directs. His voice was etched with the hidden emotions, yet he chose to lace them with a coolness that drove away the warmth. If he didn't stop this war now, he feared it would never end...and he would rather see Katie free and happy than with him and miserable. If being harsh was the only way to accomplish that, then so be it.

Jason had only been back a few days...but the turning of time could twist any circumstance into something hated before one could blink. And as such, so too had a bond been twisted and strained, threatening to break. Were they to simply take a break from each other? Were they to walk away never to return to each other? Were they to stay friends? Were they to turn this thing around and try again? Time was the only one who could tell, and it was time that kept the answer hidden from Jason's view.

I miss you

*As Jason draws Katie in his arms her body relaxes and she feels comfort. The comfort she new was in Jason.*

"J, I dont know how when I still love you so much."

*Katie leans her forhead aganst the top of Jason's. Choking on her words for a moment as her tears threten to come. She new Jason was right for now she needed to let go. He couldent give her his love anymore and it hurt Katie so much. But how did she know if that truly was the right desition. Katie's mind races with desitions and choises, but never once would she put the blame on Jason. Maybe if Katie talks to someone again it would help but who. Katie thinks for a moment her arms still wrapped around Jason. Maybe Jen would listen and gives some addvise from one girl to the next. Katie would have to remember that for later but for now Katie dident want to let go of Jason.*

Can't

Jason keeps his eyes on Katie, his stare a dim reflection of the spark that had died. Looking away for a moment, he feels another stab to his heart as he hears how much Katie misses him…how much she wants him back.

Not sure himself the whys of his own actions, Jason stands. Moving around to the other side of his desk, he reaches for Katie’s hands, pulling her up out of her chair. Sitting down in her place, he draws her back down to sit across his lap, wrapping his arms around her, and burying his face in her shoulder.

For several minutes he just holds her in silence, his soul in turmoil. Finally he speaks, in but a whisper. “Don’t let me do this to you, Katie…I can’t stand to see you hurting…you’ve got to let go before I break your heart even more. I can’t go back…I can’t give you what you need.”

Closest

*As Katie sleeps she her dreams drift her and there but most around Jason her mind at peace with the memories. As Katie hears a door open and shut the dreams start to fade and Katie can feel someone in the room. But like so many times before she knows its not a threting presence. Katie instinly gets a wif of air and knows its Jason himself, feeling his eyes on her she keeps her shut still pulling herself from the sleep she was in. As Jason's computer kicks on Katie opends her one eye, seeing Jason stairing back at her. For a long moment Katie says nothing just stairs at Jason in the eyes. Not trying to prod him for his emotions but just looking. Cracking a small smile thought groggyness.*

"Morning."

*Starting to sit up alittle bit Katie relizes where she is, and reality comes back to her as to what was going on. Siting up alittle more Katie looks down to the floor but dosent stand.*

"I'm sorry Jason."

*Katie picks at her fingers as she stumbles over her own words.*

"I....this is where I feel closest to you, and I guess lastnight I just...needed or wanted to be close. I dident mean to invade you privesy. I just....I guess I'm not 100% sure, other than I just wanted to be here."

*Katie continues to pick at her fingers still she looks up at Jason again."

Resistance

Carson chuckles. “Are you crazy? The night’s cold – I’d freeze to death.”

Shaking his head, he waves to her. “I’m right behind you.” He goes to his bedroom to retrieve a t-shirt and throws a flannel shirt on over that. Quickly slipping on his sneakers, he hurries back out, pounding on Jason’s door as he goes, knowing he’s still awake. “I’ll be back,” he calls loudly.


Jason listens as he hears the front door shut, then all becomes quiet. It was interesting…hearing Carson and Misty interact. They didn’t care a bit about what other people might think… Both had their moral standards, but to a certain degree, threw caution into the wind, and lived for the moment. That much was evident. Jason wondered how that must feel…he wasn’t sure he knew.


The brisk walk to Misty’s proves to be a refreshing one, and soon, Carson finds himself, leaving Misty at her door. “See you tomorrow,” he waves. “And I expect you to be out here with your running shoes bright and early.” He throws her a wink before turning around and heading back down the sidewalk.

Arriving back at his apartment, he gives Misty a quick call before flopping back down in bed, now to sleep the night through.


Jason trudges into work, feeling as though he hadn’t slept at all, even though he knew he had. At least he couldn’t remember half the night, so surely it must have meant he’d slept. Running on only a glass of orange juice, he stifles a yawn before heading across the main floor. He was early this morning….he didn’t know why. But when he’d heard Carson leave for his routine run, he’d decided to get up and be gone before Carson got back.

Figuring he’d check in with Reese later, Jason heads for his office. Stepping inside, he shuts the door behind himself and flicks on the light. Stopping in his tracks, he’s startled to see Katie in one of the chairs. What on earth…

Jason just stands for several moments, watching her. She was sleeping so peacefully…he knew his presence would only prove to shatter that peace once she woke. He wasn’t a shelter anymore…he was the cause of pain and he didn’t know how to reverse it.

Taking a step forward, he studies her features, reacquainting himself with them. It had been too long since he’d studied her face. Reaching out, he almost brushes her face with his hand, but he stops. He couldn’t keep confusing her.

Sighing just a little, he withdraws and moves behind his desk to sit in his own chair. Turning on the computer, he knows the sound will wake Katie, and simply waits to find out why she is there.

Two Conditions

*Misty smiles as Carson helps her up. She loved watching and seeing how Carson had grown. He had changed but at the sometime he still new how to be himself.

Giving a smile Misty nods.*

"Oh I guess you can walk me home on two consitions. One you put a shirt on. I dont want anyone alse seeing how much of a hunk you are and two call me when you get back home so I dont worry."

*Misty smiles grabing her boombox and heading for the door, steping out into the hall way giving a smile and nod to a few people that still lingered there.*

?

Carson gives Misty a sly grin, not caring much about his neighbors either. Leaning closer to her, he sinks to his elbows, giving her another kiss. “Well…I’m glad you approve of me.”

Thinking for a moment, Carson suddenly withdraws, righting himself, and pulling Misty up off the couch. “Alright sassy, you need to get out of here before I get carried away. Do you need an escort home?”

Memories

*Katie smiles down at Scott studing his face for a long while searching though his eyes. Not even sure what she was looking for. Was it the spark, the light or many simple answers that she would never find in Scott's eyes but would have to look for them inside herself. Giving Scott's hand a gental squeeze.*

"Your very welcome Scotty."

*Leaning down Katie give Scott a small kiss on the forhead. Drawing away quickly Katie smiles down at him.*

"Sleep well and I will see you in the morning ok. Domino watch over him for me."

*Exiting the infermary Katie makes her way across the floor cleaning up the rest of tonight events. As Katie pass Jason's office a strange pull send her to the door opening it steping inside Katie shuts the door. Taking in a deep sniff Katie can smell Jason. Going over to his desk Katie sits down in one of the chairs. Closing her eyes and smelling the smell Katie mind takes her back to the laughter, the smiles, the jokes, the kiss, and the bikes ride. All the promises they made of stuff to do. A single tear rolls down Katie's cheek as finally her exsaustion takes over and she falls sound asleep.*

*As Carson leans in and kiss Misty she wraps her arms around his neck and drawns him in closer to her.*

"I'm glad you liked my little excurtion. I hope I dident make to much trouble for you though with you nabors. However I really dont care what they think of me. You on the other hand...."

*Misty kiss Carson once more still feeling his warmth on her skin that sent there own heatwave though Misty.*

"...I do care what you think about me and for that fact I am glad you like troublemakers."

*Misty looks up at Carson her face still flush, and her hair spread out on the coutch coution. It was late but Misty dident care being with Carson allways gave her a certin energy.*

Troublemaker

Jason’s eyes fly open again at the sound of Misty’s voice, and he as to admit that it is just as bit humorous. Though this is quite the contrast to staying at Con’s…Con never had any late night visitors, that was for sure.

Carson’s eyes get even wider as he watches Misty bounce around, finally stopping in front of him. Feeling her touch drives a warm sensation straight through to his heart.

Letting his eyes narrow, he keeps his arms crossed, his face growing stern. “So I’m the man, but no truce, eh?” He takes several steps forward, starting to back Misty up. “You like being at war, eh?” Several more steps bring them further into the living room. “And I can see that you’re not one to surrender.”

Another two steps, and he’s backed Misty up to the armrest of the couch. Leaning forward he’s just enough of a push to send her falling back over the armrest onto the cushions. Bending down over her, he braces himself with his arms, staring down at her face. “You…young lady…are a troublemaker, do you know that?”

Studying her eyes, his own spark with life. Leaning in, he presses his lips to hers for a passionate exchange. Drawing back, his voice is lowered. “Unfortunately…I like troublemakers.” Returning, he kisses her again, proving all too well that he has not disliked Misty’s disturbance.


Scott opens his eyes, a bit embarrassed that he’s fallen asleep. Deciding it would be useless to fight Katie’s help, he accept it instead, managing to get to his feet, leaning his weight on her shoulders.

He gives a short laugh. “Yeah, Rick wouldn’t be too happy would he?”

The going is slow back to the infirmary. Scott may have been comfortable on the floor, but it hadn’t done him any good. Finally making it to the bed, he eases himself down, letting his breath out slowly, trying to relax.

Looking up at Katie, he reaches out to take her hand for just a moment. “Thanks for spending the evening with me. You’ve made this whole thing just a little more bearable whether you realize it or not.”

The song

*Misty cant help but smile backing away from Carson after Jason leaves and shuts the door. Jumping on Carson coutch Misty continues.*

"JASON I'M SORRY, I DIDENT MEAN TO WAKE YOU, I DIDENT MEAN TO SHAKE YOU, BUT YOUR GONNA BE ALRIGHT, YA YOUR GONNA BE ALRIGHT BOY. AS FOR YOU CARSON, YOU WANT A TRUSE, YA YOU WAN A TRUSE, BUT THERE IS NO WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY."

*Misty jumps off the back of the coutch and bounces through the small apartment full of energy for some reson.*

"I'M NOT LETING YOU GET WAY THAT EASSSSSYYYYY..NO NO NO NO NO...CARSON...YOUR KISS ARE AS SWEET AS SUGAR, YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO COOK SIR. YA YA YA....YA YA YA...CARSON YOUR THE MAN."

*Misty spins and brings herself close to Carson as her heart races and she gasps for air. As Carson's chest meets Misty's hand she feels the warmth from his skin and now relises he dosent have a shirt on. For a moment Misty is happy her face is already red.*

*Katie glances over to see Scott asleep on the floor. Knowing if she left him there for Rick to find him in the morning they would both be in trouble. Shuting off Scott's TV Katie bends down and shakes Scott gently.*

"Hey Hun, Come on. Lets get you back to the infermary so Rick dosent have both our heads in the morning."

*Gently Katie trys to put Scott's arm around her neck to help him up.*

Ruckus

Scott just shakes his head and turns his attention back to the movie, feeling exhausted from just the short episode with Domino. He’s able to eat some popcorn, though eventually quits, his mouth too sore to take any more.

As the movie gets three quarters over, Scotts eyelids become heavy. He’s seen the movie before…he’s not all that uncomfortable sitting here on the floor…the company is good...his body is tired… Before he can stop it, his eyes are closed, his breathing slowed as his mind drifts into sleep.

Domino lifts her head off Katie’s lap, seeming to sense everything. Crawling off, she moves to Scott, sniffing his hand. Noting he’s not responding, she takes to the bottom of his pantleg, starting to pull at it.


Carson sits bolt upright. He’d just gotten into bed, and had started to drift off. What on earth was that noise…music…singing…Misty?!

Springing out of bed, he throws on a pair of jeans and stumbles through the dark apartment, stubbing his toe on the couch as he goes, a curse escaping as he limps, finally finding a light switch.

Reaching the door, he unlocks the deadbolt and swings the door open, staring wide-eyed down at Misty.

Several neighbors have moved just as quickly and are now looking down the hall with some surprise and disgust at the late-night disturbance.

Seeing others watching, Carson is quick to move. Reaching down, he pulls Misty up off the floor and drags her into his apartment, shutting the door behind him. Leaning back up against the door, he blinks. “Good gracious, woman! Are you trying to wake up the whole building?”

Staring at her, the corners of his mouth start to twitch. He deserved every bit of Misty’s ruckus for waking her up every morning by banging on her window. He folds his arms across his bare chest, cocking his head and quirking an eyebrow at her. “I guess we’re even now. Though I’m going to have an awful lot of explaining to do, should one of my neighbors ask me what’s going on.”

“Try explaining it to your roommate.”

Carson looks quickly to the hall where Jason is leaning in his doorway. “Shall we say, this is one battle within a much larger war?”

Jason just shakes his head. Carson and Misty hadn’t changed a bit. Knowing now that it’s just something between them and not the world coming to an end, he says no more and he returns to his room, shutting the door and flopping back down on the mattress.

Carson turns back to Misty, his eyes sparkling with humor. “Shall we call a truce before we both get kicked out of our homes for disturbing the peace?”

Events

*Rosetta slowly sneeks out of the bedroom where BJ had fallen asleep again shuting the door behind her. Leting out a long sigh she lift Mick up in her prayers. Rosetta he was ok and would be coming home soon. Things were going so well, and now everything had been turned upside down again.*

*Aerith climbs into bed weary from the work she got done doing for her grandmother. Tomarrow was a day off for her and she hoped maybe her grandmother would let her sleep in but she dident count on it.

Laying in bed with her eyes open thinking for along moment about everything that was going on. Her mind moves to Wyatt. He seemed like and intresting fuy. Very caring and wanted to spend time with her, But everytime they plain something Wyatt had to run for "work". Leting out a sigh Aerith shuts her eyes. She dident plain on going anywhere at the moment she still had her grandmother to take care of and seeing as no one alse really atempted to be her friend . So If Wyatt wanted to try again she would be waiting. Worst could happen was geting ditched again.*

*Katie laughs as she forgets the movie and watching Domino and Scott interact. I was always fun to watch them. They were so funny togeter and fit will like two best friends. Katie's laughs grow with each chase Domino gives to the popcorn.

As Domino plops herself in Katie lap she smiles bringing her hand to the small fogs head and scritching her ears.*

"You two are so cute. So perfect for eachother."

*Katie turns her attachen back to the movie and reaches her hand into the popcorn for some more. Katie's mind trys to wonder to that she wished it wouldent. Trying to push them away again. Katie new sooner or later she would have to face them to work everything out. *

*Misty sits down outside the tall door. Crossing her legs Misty gets a smile on her face. For a second she rethings her actions seeing as it might be alittle late, but throws the care into the wind. Hiting the boombox she braught with her some loud music plays and Misty starts to belt.*

"CARSON...OH CARSON, YOU POUND ON MY WINDOW EVERYMORNING, AND I TAKES RUNS WITH YOU. CARSON THEY TOLD ME TO STAY AWAY, BUT I SAID HEY HEY HEY HEY...I WANNA BE WITH YOU EVERYDAY. CARSON OH CARSON I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW I COULDENT SLEEP AT HOME AND YOU WOULDENT ANSWER YOUR PHONE SO I CAME TO TELL YOU...OH TELL YOU WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME...OH CARSON OH CARSON...PLEASE...PLEASE...STAY WITH ME..."

*Misty continues to belt out words infront of Carson's door.*

Laughter and Sorrow

Jeff watches Rosetta leave and heaves a sorry sigh. “This couldn’t have happened at the worst time.”

“And Medridge knows it,” Austin states flatly. “Somehow, he knows. If we act now, we’ll be giving him exactly what he wants. He wants to see panic. He wants us out in the open. As much as I want to go out right now guns blazing like we all used to…I don’t think it’s wise.” He paces a little. “We’ll have to do something, for sure… but for once, why don’t we let the Agency show their hand first…if they want something that badly, they’ll say so.”

The others at the ranch are informed of Mick’s disappearance and all remain in prayer for their friend, brother, uncle…


Wyatt flops into bed later than normal, and was exhausted. He and Carson and Nate had scoured files, records, and their memories for anything that would give them a clue as to why the Agency would want Mick – other than anything from the past – and where they might have taken him. But nothing was adding up…nothing made sense…and they were stuck doing nothing. Not only did they want to see if the Agency would show their hand first, but they were still waiting to see if they would all be pardoned or not, and everything hung on that one decision.

Apart from all that…Wyatt glances to his bedside phone… He’d ditched Aerith and felt absolutely horrid. It was the second time, and the look on her face, and seeing her go into the theater alone was enough to make him feel like a horrid jerk. And…there was nothing he could do about it, but hope that in two and a half week’s time, he’d be able to explain everything…that is….if they received their pardons…and if Aerith even gave him another chance.


Scott can’t help a sheepish grin for scaring Katie, but is glad when she accepts his invitation. A few minutes later, he’s slipping a DVD into his computer and getting it started before easing down on the floor next to Katie, the popcorn bowl in between them. It takes a bit of effort to get comfortable, but leaning back against the cubicle wall, he finally finds a position that he’s not hurting too badly.

A while into the movie, Domino has smelled the food long enough, and finally moves to sit at Scott’s feet, cocking her head and looking at the popcorn.

Scott eventually notices her, and rolls his eyes. “Alright. Since you’ve been a good girl…” Taking a popped kernel between his fingers, he flicks it out onto the floor. Domino leaps after it with enthusiasm. The popcorn bounces and rolls across the walkway, skidding under another cubicle’s wall. Domino pounces, her feet sliding on the tile, giving her no traction for stopping.

She slams face-first into the cubicle. Stopping for just a moment, she crouches down, trying to get to the popcorn underneath, even using her paw to dry and draw it out.

Scott starts to chuckle at her antics. “Go around, you silly goose.”

Domino finally stops trying, panting and looking around, confused. Eventually, she rounds the corner of the doorway and triumphantly finds her piece of popcorn. Taking only a moment to chew it, she comes trotting back, ready for more.

Now grinning, Scott can’t help but flick another piece in the same direction, the movie going ignored for the moment.

The more times he relents, the more wound up Domino gets. With each piece of popcorn that falls under the other cubicle, she repeats the process, running, sliding, hitting the wall, then finally going around to find the prize. And with each round, Scott’s laughter increases. Holding his side, each time he laughs, he winces in pain, but can’t stop. Leaning back against the wall, his face reddens, tears from laughing filling his eyes.

Each time he thinks he’s under control, Domino quirks her head and spins around asking for more. Finally, Scott can’t take any more. “Alright, alright, Domino, that’s enough.” Another laugh causes him to cringe as his ribs take the brunt of the movement.

Domino runs up and jumps on him, wiggling with excitement. As her weight hits his stomach and side, Scott can’t help a little cry of pain, despite the humorous smile on his face. “ooh, off, the ribs, off the ribs!”

Domino scoots back to the floor, heaving a sigh of frustration. Seeming to decide Scott’s a party pooper, she trots around to Katie, plopping down in her lap instead, and looks at her master as if trying to make him jealous.


Jason wakes up yet again, unable to stay asleep. His bottled-up emotions were starting to wreak havoc on his body again, and it was even less fun than it had been…which wasn’t saying much. Tonight hadn’t helped…it should have…but it hadn’t. Staring up at the ceiling from the air mattress, he replays again what had happened earlier that evening…

The walk up the drive from the cab sent Jason’s mind reeling backward. Being at Mike’s again felt strange…nothing had seemed to change…it was as if time had stood still.

Reaching the yard, the door burst open. “Jason!” Kyle bounds out the door with enthusiasm, followed by his brother and Mike.

Jason grins a little at the happy welcome. “Hey, guys.”

The other three give hearty handshakes and rowdy hugs. “Welcome home, Jason.”

“Man, we’ve missed you!”

“Woo! We’re JetStream again!”

Jason does his best to join in, though somehow he didn’t find quite the enthusiasm the others did.

“Are you gonna come inside or what?” Jen sits in her wheelchair, propping the door open. Her eyes sparkle with excitement at seeing Jason.

Jason knows Jen will expect a hug, so he doesn’t disappoint her. He goes inside and squats down to offer and receive the light embrace.

Drawing back, Jen gives him a once-over. “Mm, you look good, Jase.” She grins, but her eyes search his face. She knew without asking…something was different. But she doesn’t react, simply holding her smile. “Welcome back.”


“…Oh man, and we really crashed and burned at that event,” Kyle groans.

“Yeah, we don’t talk about that one.” Phil stifles a laugh.

“We don’t keep that one on record.”

“And shall it be stricken from our memory!” Mike raises a drumstick. “We had a lot of good events too though.”

“Yeah,” Phil adds. “Don’t let Kyle kid ya, he’s been stealing the show.”

“But now I don’t have to anymore.” Kyle grins from his place at the keyboard. “And thank goodness, ‘cause no one can steal the show like Jason.”

Jason sits on the floor, strumming his guitar thoughtfully, just listening to the other guys. He looks up with a raised eyebrow. “I don’t think any one of us should steal the show if we’re a team.”

Kyle laughs. “Yeah, well, some guys got it and some guys don’t, and lemme tell you…you got it whether you like it or not.”

Jason lowers his eyes to the frets of his guitar as he hits a sour chord. “Well, I’m afraid this show stealer is a bit rusty.”

“Eh, you’ll be back in shape in no time. Time enough for next weekend anyway.”

“Kyle!” Phil chides. “Give the poor man time to breathe.”

Jason doesn’t know whether to be interested or not. “Got a gig next weekend?”

“Yep.” Phil pauses his random playing. “Back at the public building in town. It’s a deal for community organizations with public services or charities. They’re trying to round up volunteers and that sort of thing.”

“So you wouldn’t want to miss it,” Kyle adds.

Jason forces a small smile. “I’ll think about it, if I can get enough practice in.”

“Oh, we can get enough practice in. We can…”

“Kyle.” Mike cuts him off with a tone that warns him to stop pushing. “How about you quit talking and start us off with something to play.”

“Alright, alright.” Kyle fiddles with a few chords, but stops again. “Hey, Jase, where’s Katie? I expected her to be hanging in your shadow.” He grins a little. “If anybody needed you to come back it was her – she was in pretty bad shape when you got taken away. I bet that was one happy reunion.”

Jason can feel his gut twisting again and he avoids looking up. Instead, he forces a dry, short chuckle to the surface. “She’s working late,” he responds vaguely.

The next hour was spent fooling around with old and new songs. Jason joins in some, though lets Kyle do most of the singing, and hangs back with his guitar. Why he felt out of place with this close circle of friends, he didn’t know. It was as if he was a puzzle piece that had been warped and reshaped so that he no longer fit into the space where he’d been.

…Jason rolls over on his side to curl up in a ball in an attempt to force himself to sleep. He’d seen the band…he’d gotten his motorcycle back…his fingers were a bit sore from playing his guitar… he should be happier than this. But something was missing…his passion was gone.

Fun

*Rosetta's eyes well up even more. She couldent believe this was happing and Austin wanted her to do nothing. As if knowing something was wrong BJ aprears next to Rosetta sleepyness in his eyes. Wraping his arms around Rosetta's leg BJ talks softly.*

"Dont cry Rosey!"

*Rosetta looks down at BJ pulling him into her lap.*

"What are you doing awake bud?

*BJ looks up at Rosetta with his big blue eyes.*

"I couldent sleep, I wanted to comfart you."

*Rosetta wraps her arms around BJ laying her head on his. How she had become so attached to the small boy in such a short time.*

"Rosey? Ish Mick, toming back or will he shtay away like Sham did?"

*Rosetta cant help but hug BJ alittle tighter.*

"No BJ, he will come back. He promised you that horse ride remember."

*Standing BJ slides off Rosetta's lap as she stands.*

"Come on BJ, I'll read you a book and lay down with ya for a bit."

*Looking at the others Rosetta nods to the others.*

"Let me know if anything happens."

*Aerith lets out a sigh disapointment flashing in her eyes. She had been looking forward to her night out and now Wyatt was ditching her not even giving a reason or explanation. Areth was use to being let down with out reson it had been happing all her life since her dad had passed away. In her heart she new Wyatt must have a good reson but her brain just dident want to comprehend. In a soft semi sad tone Aerith replys to Wyatt.*

"Ok Wyatt. Your work is important. You know where to find me when You want to go out again. I'm here I might as well see a movie anyways. Be safe Wyatt."

*Aerith stuffs her keys in her purse and slowly makes her way inside.*

*Katie jumps 5 feet in the air as Scott knocks on her cubicle wall. She had been deep in though looking like she was working but really running through stuff in he own mind.*

"SCOTT...are you trying to kill me. You just scaired the crap out of me."

*As Katie's heart making it way to a slow beat again Katie cant help but smile standing and streaching.*

"Mmmm...Ok why not. I could use a distraction right about now. I'll go get the popcorn and meet ya back at your desk."

*Walking to the breakroom the smell of popcorn enters her nose as she opens the bag and dumps it in a bowl. Walking back to Scott's desk Katie clamed her stop and cross her legs waiting.*

Theater

Jeff moves quickly to Rosetta, putting an arm around her shoulder. “Hey, hey, it’ll be okay, alright?”

Austin sets his jaw grimly, answering Rosetta. “We do nothing.”

“What?” Sparky looks at him as if he were crazy. “We have no idea what happened to Mick, and you want us to do nothing?!”

“What would you do?” Austin shoots back. “We know good and well that this is the Agency. What else could it be? And how many times have our own actions done any good? Not many. We don’t know where they took Mick..we don’t even know if he’s still in the state. Going out and looking for him will only split us up into prime targets. No… I will call back to headquarters and an inside investigation will start. But there’s nothing more we can do from here.”


Scott gives Katie a weary grin as she hands him some magazines. “You’re a lifesaver. I can only count ceiling tiles so many times in a row before I lose my mind.”

He sighs a little at the news of the missing files. “Yeah, that’s what I figured. They won’t be back then – they got what they wanted.”


“Oh, no.” Reese’s shoulders drop as he speaks to Austin on the phone. “You’ve got to be kidding me….. No, alright… yeah…. Well keep your eyes open, but I agree you can’t do much from there…I don’t know what you could do. I’ll get some men on high alert and we’ll just have to see this one through as it comes. If the Agency wants something out of this, they’ll be contacting us.”


Wyatt gets out of his car as he sees Aerith pull in, and smiles as she approaches. “Hey. Not a problem. I haven’t been here long.”

He starts towards the entrance, scanning the signs outside. “I don’t have a clue what we’re seeing,” he admits ruefully. “There’s several things playing though, so I just thought I’d let you choose.”

Wyatt is just reaching for the door to open it for Aerith when his cell phone rings. “Aw, man…” He grimaces. “Hang on just a sec, will ya?” He turns to walk a couple feet away before answering the phone. It was Reese. He was wanted back at TJY. He needed to start investigating with Nate and Carson about why the Agency would want Mick. Great….just great…

Irritation floods Wyatt’s veins, but there was nothing he could do. Going back to Aerith, he has no idea how to tell her this.

“Aerith…” He sighs deeply. “I am so sorry…that was work…I can’t tell you how much I hate to do this to you, but I’m gonna have to leave.”

He looks at her with all the apology he can muster. All he wanted was one evening, and he hadn’t even gotten that. How many more would be like that? And she couldn’t even know why.

Searching her eyes, he decides that despite his desire to see her more, he needed to continue… “Look…I know there are things about me that you don’t know and are wondering about…” The court date was two and a half weeks away. “But right now I can’t tell you about them. And…this is going to keep happening, and I don’t want to keep disappointing you.”

Wyatt pauses, knowing he sounds like a complete idiot. “In a little over two weeks, I’ll be able to tell you if I can keep seeing you or not. I know this sounds crazy, and if you want to forget this whole thing I won’t blame you. But if you decide to trust me…this really is the truth. Can you hold on for a while before I ask you out again?”


Though a team works late at TJY, by nightfall, most have headed to their homes for the night, the main floor quiet except for Katie’s cubicle where she was working late. Hal and Ty make their cleaning rounds, though soon are gone as well, to the lower level.

Scott runs his hand over Domin’s fur absentmindedly, boredom taking over. He’d gone through his magazines already and was now back to where he’d been. He’d had a light supper, as much as he could manage eating, but he was left wide awake with no desire to go to sleep, yet what else could he do?

Rick was gone for the night, Katie was apparently working….there was no one else around…

Getting an idea, Scott mulls it over for several minutes. Did he dare? He looks down at Domino. “Should I?”

She looks up at him and licks his hand, wiggling with enthusiasm.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. Come on.”

Domino gets up and jumps off the bed, waiting for further instructions.

Scott slowly sits up, wincing as he goes. It had been several hours since he’d even moved, and he’d grown stiff again. Taking a moment to let a little dizziness pass, he stands up, a bit unsteadily, his bare feet finding the tiled floor cold.

His injured wrist tucked to his side to hold his ribs, he slowly walks to the door, pulling the blanket off the bed as he goes. His first stop is the break room, though it takes him a lot longer than anticipated, as reaching up into a cupboard proves to be a more painful task than expected.

Finally satisfied though, he heads out into the hall again, aiming for the main floor. The end of the blanket drags a little on the floor, and suddenly seems to have become quiet heavy. Turning around, Scott sees that Domino has caught a ride, sitting on the end of the blanket to be dragged down the hall.

Grinning and rolling his eyes, Scott lets her, and continues his route. Once on the main floor, he goes to his cubicle. He can see a light on in Katie’s and is glad she’s still there, otherwise he’d already be in big trouble. He keeps his own light off, but turns on his computer and reaches for a small stack of DVDs he kept there, getting them out to put on his desk. Moving his chair out of the way, he spreads the blanket on the floor and aims his computer screen downward.

Taking a breather for a moment, he tells Domino to stay put, then heads for Katie’s desk. His walk is almost silent as his bare feet and slow pace make little sound. Reaching Katie, he knocks on the wall. “Don’t you know it’s unhealthy to work so late?”

He musters up a smile. “Before you yell at me for being out of bed let me at least ask you to the movies.” His eyes show their mischief. “Though I’m not walking all the way back to the break room to get the popcorn that should be done by now. You can do that. But the theater is a few cubicles down…that is…if you feel like joining me.”

Now what

*Katie exits TJY and heads to Scotts. Arriving Katie takes caution even though she and everyone alse figured it would be safe. Opening the door Katie steps inside and just listens for along while. Finally making sure everything is safe Katie goes to the desk and looks for Scotts folders, and than to the stacks of magazeans. Coming up empty handed Katie grabs some stuff for Scott and heads out again making her way back to TJY. Once in the parking lot Katie sits for a long while. Her mind was so full she just wanted to let it all out and think through things. But right now she couldent. Katie grew frustrated but tryed to keep her cool soon this all would end and she could get back to straghting her own thoughts out. Geting out of the car Katie heads inside to TJY and to the infermary knocking and entering alittle.*

"Hey Scotty. I got you some stuff to read."

*Katie holds her hand up for Scott to see.*

"And...the files were gone."

*Rosetta flops down in one of the chairs having already put BJ to bed. A cry caught in her throt as the tears start in her eyes.*

"No this cant be happing. Please..."

*Rosetta puts her face in her hands not being able to think. Everything seemed so perfect and now it was geting messed up once again. Lifting her head her eyes blood shot she asks.*

"So now what?"

*Aerith pulls into the movie theater parking lot hoping she was in the right place. Seeing Wyatt she smiles as she gets out. Throwing a wave to Wyatt.*

"Hey Wyatt. Sorry I am alittle late. Grandmother wanted me to do some last minute stuff for her. How are you tonight? and what are we going to see anyways..hah"

*Aerith walks up along side of Wyatt beaming.*

Into evening

Reese gives Katie a little smirk. “When will you learn that I know good and well what your capabilities are? Don’t forget I’m the one who hired you on as a bodyguard. And were I to insist that someone accompany you, it would have nothing whatsoever to do with how much I trust you. If I thought Jason – one of my best men – needed a bodyguard, what’s stopping me from wanting someone to watch your back at Scott’s?”

He pauses and shakes his head. “But I won’t insist that, because I’m pretty sure it’s safe. So go at it. But be quick about it.”


Jason sighs deeply and finally picks up his phone. He knew it would be good for him, and he couldn’t leave the guys hanging in limbo indefinitely. “Hey, Mike.”

“Jason? …Jason!”

Jason can’t help a grin. “Yeah.”

“Well, I’ll be. This is awesome! Phil said you were out. How you doing?”

“Oh…just…trying to settle back in I guess.”

“I bet. Well hey, Kyle’s ancy about getting everyone together for a little shindig or something, so when you’re feeling up to it, let us know.”

Jason wishes he felt up to it now. “Sure. Um…Con said you had my bike.”

“Yep. She’s just fine. Kyle’s been out a few times to fire her up and keep the motor cleaned out. She’s in the garage just waiting for ya.”

“Well thanks for holding it for me.” Jason really was grateful. “If I get a ride, I might swing on by tonight if that’s alright.”

“Sure! Kyle and Phil will be here for practice if you wanna stick around for a while too.”

Jason wasn’t convinced he’d want to, but he wasn’t going to start off by turning them down right off the bat. “Okay. We’ll see what happens.”

“Great. See you later then.”

“Yep. Thanks, Mike.” Jason hangs up. He didn’t know how he’d get out to Mike’s, but getting his bike back would at least give him more freedom than he had now.


Jeff grows a little grim. “Mick can take care of himself, but there’s something said for being safe than sorry, so I’m gonna grab Sparky and he and I will just take a quick jaunt over to Jerry’s, okay?” He turns to leave, calling over his shoulder. “Don’t worry about a thing. I’m sure it’s nothing. We’ll be back in a jiffy.”

…And hour later, Rosetta’s phone rings. “Hey, Sis, listen…” his voice is strained. “Sparky and I found Mick’s truck and trailer about halfway to Jerry’s. There’s a car in the ditch too. I don’t know if the two are related or not, but Mick’s no where to be seen. His phone is in his truck. We’ve looked all around and there’s no trace of him. He hadn’t been to Jerry’s yet either.”

Not allowing too much time for speculation, he keeps going. “We’re heading into town to check things out, and are gonna scan some of these roads out here before we go jumping to conclusions. So for now, just sit tight.”


Scott wakes up from yet another nap, wanting to just get up and walk around for anything other than lying here, but it still hurt too much to even sit up, let alone get all the way out of bed. It was starting to get about supper time…Domino was getting restless…if only he could just go home. He hadn’t heard from Katie yet, and hoped she was alright as well.


Wyatt leaves work a little early to go home and get ready for the evening. He had just enough time to shower, get changed and make it to the theater at seven to meet Aerith.

He ends up arriving just a little early, and waits in his car.


Jeff and Sparky pull into the drive, much later than planned. Both head straight for Rosetta’s, grabbing Austin on their way. Arriving, they break the grim news. “We couldn’t find him.” Sparky look between Austin and Rosetta. “I think it’s foul play.”